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Words of Welcome Contest Guidelines Page 2 (or Download Contest Info)
Contest rules
- Each contestant will be given a copy of the rules and complete the entry form.
- Each entry must be stapled and begin with a title page containing topic, writer's name, phone or e-mail, and name of school. No plastic or other covers, please.
- Essays must be typed and double-spaced with pages numbered.
- Essays must contain at least 500 words but no more than 750 words.
- In addition to the essay, each contestant will reflect on the content of his or her essay and write on a separate page, one paragraph welcoming the Holy Father.
Deadlines
- Schools and at-large contestants are invited to register by Thursday, March 13, 2008. * Because of wide interest from over 26 states, this invitation is extended until Thursday March 20, 2008.
- The deadline for students to submit essays is determined by the local high school.
- At-large student essays must be received by the contest office, via email or post, by Thursday, March 20, 2008.
- A school’s winning essay, and the number of students participating in that school or for a given teacher (for participation prizes), must be received at the contest office, via email or post, for regional level competition by Friday, April 4.
- National winners will be posted on the website by Thursday, April 10, 2008.
Judging and Scoring the Contest
- A minimum of three judges are recommended at the local high school level. Ideally, one judge has a background in English, one in theology, and a third as needed.
- Scoring, based on a 100-point scale, and criteria at each level of the contest will be identical but scores from previous levels will not be passed on.
- 40 points—Quality of content: An outstanding essay demonstrates that the student understands and has read about the topic at hand. It will also display the student's ability to thoughtfully make one’s own points and develop one’s own ideas.
- 20 points—Material organization: An outstanding essay presents information in a clear and logical manner with adherence to the topic.
- 20 points—Vocabulary, style, grammar, punctuation, spelling.
- 20 points—Paragraph of welcome.
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